We noticed that you're using an unsupported browser. The TripAdvisor website may not display properly.We support the following browsers:Windows: Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome. Mac: Safari.

I'd be interested in hearing from anyone familiar with the drive from greater London to the area near Leeds (Yorkshire). Rather than flying from USA to Manchester, which would be the obvious solution, I'm considering flying to Gatwick and then driving up and back on the motorway. I like the direct flight from CLT-LGW and return plus I'm hoping to steal a day in London on one end or the other.

FWIW, I'd try to arrange most of the driving (down and back) on Sundays and the trip north after arrival would actually be split with a stopover near Birmingham or Nottingham. But I'd like a sense of the difference between doing it on a weekend versus a regular workday.

I've driven just a bit in the south of England so I'm tolerably comfortable with driving on the left although certainly no expert.

Thanks to all for the great range of help and suggestions. I just received an E-mail from a buddy of mine who's going to the same golf outing and it looks like he and I will be able to share a car, lodging and so forth for the week. But that means sticking to a northern itenerary, flying in and out of Manchester.

So the bad news is that I won't be able to work in a London excursion but the great news is that the trip will be a lot more fun and I won't have the hassle of solo driving/navigating on unfamiliar roads. Looks like we may even end up on the same transatlantic flight PHL-MAN and return. Couldn't be working out better.

That makes London in June '08 my goal. I am looking forward to seeing Yorkshire for the first time. The couple of folks from up there I got to know on last year's London trip were indeed very friendly fellows. Yorkshiremen are OK in my book and, hey, you don't talk as funny as I do...